Community
Volunteering

If you are affected by a smell or taste disorder or have an interest in the senses of smell and taste, and you have skills and experience that you think may be of benefit to Fifth Sense then we’d love to hear from you.
We have a variety of roles that range from taking a just few minutes of your time and are very flexible to roles that can be more regular offering structure to your week.
You could, for example, help share our social media posts to reach more people or distribute leaflets in your local area.
We can provide guidance and support to give presentations or talks to groups or be involved with local peer support groups.
We are also looking for volunteers to support us with our national and online offer; helping with our Let’s Talk Smell and Taste support groups or representing us at events and sharing your story.
Please get in touch with us to chat about what you can do!
Please email volunteering@fifthsense.org.uk if you would like to chat about what you can do to help Fifth Sense. Our Community Development Officer, Sally Connick, will be very pleased to hear from you.
Click on the links below to read our current Volunteer role descriptions:
Meet Bev Bayne
Perfumer and Fifth Sense volunteer, Bev, delivers talks in her local area on smell safety, our vital work, and smell and taste disorders. She also hosts bite-sized training sessions to teach other volunteers how to run activities.
Volunteers such as Bev play an essential role in helping us reach communities across the country, raising awareness and enabling people to access support.
"Often, I see a 'lightbulb' moment on their faces as they realise the impact these disorders have, from the enjoyment of food and fragrances to personal hygiene, relationships, safety, and memories."

Bev Bayne
Fifth Sense Raising Awareness Volunteer
Engaging Communities with the Power of Scent: My Journey with Fifth Sense
Until I retired I was a Senior Creative Perfumer and am passionate about fragrance and the power of the sense of smell and how it affects every moment of our lives and enhances the world around us.
With 40 years' experience in the fragrance industry, I thought I understood the sense of smell. Since becoming a Raising Awareness Volunteer with Fifth Sense, I’ve learnt so much about how the sense of smell impacts on the quality of our daily lives. This only truly becomes apparent when you lose or experience smell loss.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to present the Fifth Sense talk to local Women’s Institute (WI) groups, sharing information about smell and taste disorders, what Fifth Sense do and how the charity supports suffers, their families and friends and also professionals.
One of the ways I engage my audience is through interactive ‘Smell Experiences’ which are fun but highlight the importance of smell and what it might be like to lose it. This helps people understand the importance of smell and sparks great conversations.
At my recent presentation to Blisworth WI, 23 wonderful women joined me for an evening of exploring scent and discussing the real-life impact of smell loss.
During the presentation I often see ‘lightbulb’ moments on people’s faces - they suddenly realise how much smell and taste disorders can affect a person’s life, from safety concerns to the joy of eating and the emotional impact of losing sensory memories.
When I finish the presentation the room fills with stories—people sharing experiences of loved ones who’ve lost their sense of smell, whether due to head injuries, pregnancy, or conditions like Parkinson’s. They will also come over to me to tell me their stories. I find this very humbling.
I’m able to offer practical advice, like signposting to the fantastic Fifth Sense website, the smell training resources - which may help them regain or improve the sense of smell - and hand out Fifth Sense leaflets and cards.
One attendee shared how her father lost his sense of smell, and it was only through our discussion that she realised how much it must have affected his quality of life. Another shared her struggle after losing her sense of smell during pregnancy, which added a layer of difficulty to new motherhood—she couldn’t smell a dirty nappy or check for gas leaks. She is going to try smell training.
I have also presented to Crick WI 19 members attended) and Little Billing WI (33 members attended). They shared similar stories of hyperosmia and hyposmia during pregnancy, anosmia caused by head injuries and loved ones who have lost their appetite and interest in food.
After every session, several ladies pick up leaflets. I also email the ‘Smell Safety’ leaflet to the group’s secretary to pass on to all WI members.
It feels great knowing the information is reaching more people.
These conversations are exactly why I’m so passionate about raising awareness—helping people understand the challenges of living without smell or taste and offering ways they can find support through the Fifth Sense community.
Last week I gave a 15 minute precis of my presentation at the Northamptonshire WI County Federation’s Speaker Selection Evening and hope to be included in the Northamptonshire WI Speaker List.
I already have interest from two more WI groups!
What’s also exciting for me is developing the ‘Smell Experiences’. By using particular perfumery raw materials to demonstrate certain effects to show how the sense of smell works, how personal it is and what it might be like not to be able to smell. I’ve discussed ideas with my friend and fellow perfumer Marianne Martin, as always, she has great ideas and advice. It is lovely to work with her again.
We’re planning to hold training sessions with other Fifth Sense Volunteers on how to carry out the ‘Smell Experiences’ safely when they do their own presentations.
Incorporating smell activities is a fantastic way to engage an audience, making the abstract challenges of smell loss more tangible and relatable.
Volunteering with Fifth Sense is a rewarding experience, not only because I get to share my love for perfumery but also because I’m learning from every group I meet. Knowing that we’re helping others make a real connection to this undervalued sense means a great deal to me, it is such an important issue.
Working alongside the wonderful Fifth Sense team, Marianne and the other volunteers has made it even more special, and I look forward to continuing to spread the word about the vital work Fifth Sense is doing.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, I’d love to hear from you! You can find plenty of resources, including smell training and safety tips, on the Fifth Sense website.
Together, we can raise awareness and make a difference for those living with smell and taste disorders.
Until I retired I was a Senior Creative Perfumer and am passionate about fragrance and the power of the sense of smell and how it affects every moment of our lives and enhances the world around us.
With 40 years' experience in the fragrance industry, I thought I understood the sense of smell. Since becoming a Raising Awareness Volunteer with Fifth Sense, I’ve learnt so much about how the sense of smell impacts on the quality of our daily lives. This only truly becomes apparent when you lose or experience smell loss.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to present the Fifth Sense talk to local Women’s Institute (WI) groups, sharing information about smell and taste disorders, what Fifth Sense do and how the charity supports suffers, their families and friends and also professionals.
One of the ways I engage my audience is through interactive ‘Smell Experiences’ which are fun but highlight the importance of smell and what it might be like to lose it. This helps people understand the importance of smell and sparks great conversations.
At my recent presentation to Blisworth WI, 23 wonderful women joined me for an evening of exploring scent and discussing the real-life impact of smell loss.
During the presentation I often see ‘lightbulb’ moments on people’s faces - they suddenly realise how much smell and taste disorders can affect a person’s life, from safety concerns to the joy of eating and the emotional impact of losing sensory memories.
When I finish the presentation the room fills with stories—people sharing experiences of loved ones who’ve lost their sense of smell, whether due to head injuries, pregnancy, or conditions like Parkinson’s. They will also come over to me to tell me their stories. I find this very humbling.
I’m able to offer practical advice, like signposting to the fantastic Fifth Sense website, the smell training resources - which may help them regain or improve the sense of smell - and hand out Fifth Sense leaflets and cards.
One attendee shared how her father lost his sense of smell, and it was only through our discussion that she realised how much it must have affected his quality of life. Another shared her struggle after losing her sense of smell during pregnancy, which added a layer of difficulty to new motherhood—she couldn’t smell a dirty nappy or check for gas leaks. She is going to try smell training.
I have also presented to Crick WI 19 members attended) and Little Billing WI (33 members attended). They shared similar stories of hyperosmia and hyposmia during pregnancy, anosmia caused by head injuries and loved ones who have lost their appetite and interest in food.
After every session, several ladies pick up leaflets. I also email the ‘Smell Safety’ leaflet to the group’s secretary to pass on to all WI members.
It feels great knowing the information is reaching more people.
These conversations are exactly why I’m so passionate about raising awareness—helping people understand the challenges of living without smell or taste and offering ways they can find support through the Fifth Sense community.
Last week I gave a 15 minute precis of my presentation at the Northamptonshire WI County Federation’s Speaker Selection Evening and hope to be included in the Northamptonshire WI Speaker List.
I already have interest from two more WI groups!
What’s also exciting for me is developing the ‘Smell Experiences’. By using particular perfumery raw materials to demonstrate certain effects to show how the sense of smell works, how personal it is and what it might be like not to be able to smell. I’ve discussed ideas with my friend and fellow perfumer Marianne Martin, as always, she has great ideas and advice. It is lovely to work with her again.
We’re planning to hold training sessions with other Fifth Sense Volunteers on how to carry out the ‘Smell Experiences’ safely when they do their own presentations.
Incorporating smell activities is a fantastic way to engage an audience, making the abstract challenges of smell loss more tangible and relatable.
Volunteering with Fifth Sense is a rewarding experience, not only because I get to share my love for perfumery but also because I’m learning from every group I meet. Knowing that we’re helping others make a real connection to this undervalued sense means a great deal to me, it is such an important issue.
Working alongside the wonderful Fifth Sense team, Marianne and the other volunteers has made it even more special, and I look forward to continuing to spread the word about the vital work Fifth Sense is doing.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, I’d love to hear from you! You can find plenty of resources, including smell training and safety tips, on the Fifth Sense website.
Together, we can raise awareness and make a difference for those living with smell and taste disorders.
Meet Jimi Harrison
Fifth Sense volunteer Jimi Harrison is a printmaker and educator from Dundee, Scotland. For as long as he can remember, he has lived without a sense of smell. He felt this was something he had to navigate on his own, often feeling like no one truly understood what he was going through, but that changed when he discovered Fifth Sense.
"Volunteering for Fifth Sense has given me more than I expected. It’s not just about helping others—it’s also about what I’ve gained. Being part of a community that truly understands what it’s like to live with a smell disorder has been brilliant. It’s given me a renewed sense of purpose and a way to use my creativity and skills to make a difference."

Jimi Harrison
Fifth Sense Volunteer
My journey with Fifth Sense – finding a community that understands
After attending a Fifth Sense session, I finally felt a sense of belonging. Listening to others share their experiences was both eye-opening and comforting. It helped me understand that I wasn’t alone and inspired me to get involved. I’ve always loved teaching and mentoring—sharing knowledge and connecting with people is what drives me. Volunteering with Fifth Sense felt like the perfect way to use my skills to make a difference for a cause so close to my heart.
The roles I’m proud to play
Since joining Fifth Sense earlier this year, I’ve had the opportunity to take on several rewarding roles. I am trained to co-host Fifth Sense’s online peer support sessions called Let’s Talk Smell and Taste. Being able to connect with others and help them feel supported is something I really look forward to doing.
In 2025, I plan to support Fifth Sense by raising awareness about smell and taste disorders and delivering their Smell Safety message through online presentations. As part of the Fifth Sense campaign to improve access to medicines with multiple health conditions, focussing on Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwP), I’ll continue facilitating small group discussions to encourage sharing of experiences. I’m also excited to help train future GPs at Dundee School of Medicine, equipping them with the knowledge to better understand and address smell and taste impairments.
One of the most exciting projects for 2025 will be my involvement in helping Fifth Sense plan a cycling challenge fundraiser. Cycling is a huge passion of mine, and I’m thrilled to combine it with raising funds and awareness for Fifth Sense.
What volunteering gives back to me
Volunteering for Fifth Sense has given me more than I expected. It’s not just about helping others—it’s also about what I’ve gained. Being part of a community that truly understands what it’s like to live with a smell disorder has been brilliant. It’s given me a renewed sense of purpose and a way to use my creativity and skills to make a difference. Being part of the campaign for people living with CRSwNP has been especially rewarding. Hearing their stories and experiences of feeling overlooked reinforces why I volunteer with Fifth Sense — to help make a difference.
A festive way to support Fifth Sense
This Christmas, I’m excited to share a project that’s very close to my heart. Inspired by my Past Certainties series, I’ve created a collection of festive designs that you can purchase to support Fifth Sense. You’ll find:
- Digital greeting cards – Perfect for spreading Christmas cheer while raising awareness.
- Limited-edition hand-printed Christmas cards – A personal and unique touch for the season.
- Original signed prints – One-of-a-kind art pieces that make thoughtful gifts.
- Coaster sets – A great stocking filler for someone special.
Every purchase goes directly towards supporting Fifth Sense’s vital work. Whether it’s funding education, research, or community support, you’ll be helping to make a real impact.
Join me in making a difference
I know times are tough, but even the smallest gesture can help. You can visit my online shop to purchase these special items or donate directly to Fifth Sense’s Christmas appeal. Let’s all support the incredible work of Fifth Sense and help make life a little easier for those living with smell or taste disorders.
Fifth Sense is incredibly grateful to Jimi Harrison for his dedication, creativity and support. His volunteer work, from hosting peer support sessions to being part of our campaigns, has made an positive impact on our community. We’re excited to see what Jimi achieves in 2025.
If Jimi’s story has inspired you, why not join us as a volunteer? Email sally.connick@fifthsense.org.uk
Ready to apply?
Please click this link to our volunteer application form.